Veterans Desk · Florida 501(c)(3) Nonprofit · Independent & Veteran-Built

VA Community Education

How To Become A Marriage & Family Therapist

A Guide for Marriage & Family Therapists (MFTs)

DCP Hub · Clinical Education

Mental Health · Behavioral Health

Welcome to Veterans Desk, your trusted resource for connecting dedicated mental health professionals with opportunities to serve our nation’s veterans. This guide is tailored for licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (MFTs) who are interested in joining the VA Community Care Network (CCN) to provide therapeutic services to veterans and their families.

Step-by-Step Enrollment in the VA CCN

1

Verify Your Credentials

  • To participate in the VA CCN, you must:

    • Hold an active state license as a Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT).
    • Be in good standing with your licensing board.

2

Prepare Required Documents

  • Gather the following documents:

    • Valid state-issued LMFT license
    • Updated resume or CV
    • Completed W-9 form
    • Proof of malpractice insurance (if applicable)

3

Submit Your Application

Apply through the portal that corresponds to your service region:

4

Complete Mandatory Training

Fulfill VA onboarding requirements, which may include:

5

Credentialing & Practice Review

  • After your application is submitted:

    • The VA will verify your credentials and practice history
    • Your practice may be reviewed for compliance, accessibility, and service capabilities.

6

Receive Final Contract

  • Once approved:

    • You’ll receive a participation contract detailing service and reimbursement terms
    • Begin offering therapeutic services to veterans and their families.

Why MFTs Matter to Veterans

About This Specialty

Marriage & Family Therapists play a vital role in addressing the complex emotional and relational challenges many veterans face. Common concerns include:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Family conflict related to military service.
  • Difficulties with reintegration into civilian family life

By promoting healthy communication, emotional regulation, and strong interpersonal bonds, MFTs contribute significantly to veterans’ long-term emotional and relational well-being.

As an MFT in the VA CCN, you can:

  • Facilitate individual, couples, and family therapy sessions.
  • Address trauma-related stress, emotional regulation, and relational repair.
  • Help veterans transition back into family roles after deployment.
  • Collaborate with VA mental health providers in developing cohesive care plans.

Key Benefits of Joining the VA CCN

Support Veteran Families

Improve family functioning, strengthen relationships, and promote emotional wellness for both veterans and their loved ones.

Flexible Service Delivery

Provide care in outpatient settings, via telehealth, or within the community based on the veteran’s approved care plan.

Collaborative Team Approach

Join a network of VA providers, case managers, and behavioral health professionals.

Streamlined Reimbursement:

Benefit from simplified claims processes that reduce administrative work.

Continued Education

Access VA-sponsored training, resources, and updates related to veteran mental health care.

Meaningful Impact

Help veteran families navigate one of the most complex healthcare and service systems their children will encounter — with your expertise as the guide.

Career Support & Military Pathways

Educational Support & Professional Growth

Transitioning from Military Service

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Licensed MFTs may deliver services independently once they complete credentialing and the care is authorized by the VA.

Yes. If family therapy is included in the veteran’s approved care plan and is deemed necessary for their recovery, it is eligible for coverage.

Yes. Telehealth is strongly encouraged where appropriate and is reimbursable as long as both state and VA guidelines are followed.

Yes, but only when those sessions are authorized in the veteran’s care plan and are clinically justified as part of the veteran’s recovery process.

Ready to Join

Start Your VA CCN Enrollment Today

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists can begin the enrollment process in the VA Community Care Network through Optum (Regions 1–3) or TriWest (Regions 4–5). Veterans Desk provides education, while the VA’s administrators handle enrollment.

Disclaimer. Veterans Desk is a Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is not a HIPAA-covered entity and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any federal agency. All content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or clinical advice. Veterans Desk does not collect, store, or transmit Protected Health Information (PHI). Enrollment eligibility, reimbursement terms, and credentialing requirements are determined solely by the VA, Optum, and TriWest — verify current requirements directly with those organizations. Emergency: 911 | Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1) | Text 838255.